Gems of Knowledge

One Year Bible Readings: Isaiah 10:1–11:16 · 2 Corinthians 12:11–21 · Psalm 56:1–13 · Proverbs 23:6–8

Proverbs doesn’t mince words:

“Don’t eat with people who are stingy; don’t desire their delicacies. They are always thinking about how much it costs. ‘Eat and drink,’ they say, but they don’t mean it. You will throw up what little you’ve eaten, and your compliments will be wasted.” (Proverbs 23:6–8, NLT)

In other words, don’t cozy up to a deceiver’s table. Smooth words and glittering plates can hide calculating hearts. “They are always thinking about how much it costs”—how to use, angle, and ensnare for gain. That’s deceit—concealing truth to get an advantage—and its root is the serpent’s first strategy in Eden (Genesis 3:1–6). Jesus unmasks it plainly: the thief “comes only to steal and kill and destroy,” but Christ came “that they may have life—more abundantly” (John 10:10, NLT).

“‘Eat and drink,’ they say, but they don’t mean it.” The false feast rots in the soul; what seemed sweet turns bitter and is violently rejected—“you will throw up what little you’ve eaten.” Flattery, favors, and compliments all curdle when the truth comes out; our well-meant words were wasted because the table itself was poisoned.

But God sets a different table: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Psalm 23:5, KJV). Right in hostile territory, the Lord lays out redemption, peace, and provision—and no enemy can pull out the chair from under you. Today’s reading echoes this Shepherd-heart in Paul’s words to the Corinthians: “I don’t want what you have—I want you.” (2 Corinthians 12:14, NLT) That’s the voice of Jesus. He isn’t angling for your stuff; He desires your heart.

So, reject the counterfeit spread and come to the true feast. Christ is the Bread of Life (John 6:35). His “delicacies” don’t flatter; they heal. They open our eyes, restore what was stolen, and satisfy us with enduring joy (Psalm 56:3–4, 12–13; Isaiah 11:1–2).

Action (5 Minutes) — Change Tables

1. Ask the Lord: “Have I been eating at any ‘false tables’—relationships, voices, or offers that flatter but harm?”
2. Name one: write it down. Renounce its influence before God.
3. Read John 10:10 aloud. Then thank Jesus for His abundant-life table.
4. Pray Psalm 23:5—take your seat by faith.
5. Text or tell one trusted believer what table you’re leaving and what truth you’re choosing.

Short Prayer

Jesus, Shepherd and Host, pull me from every deceiver’s table. Expose the lie, cut the snare, and seat me at Your feast. You don’t want what I have—You want me. I give You my heart today. Feed me with Your Word, satisfy me with Your presence, and restore what was broken. Amen. 🌿

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